Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. The body can be viewed in three dimensions or as "slices". MRI does not use X-rays and there are no known harmful effects from MRI imaging. An MRI machine looks like a CT Scanner but is a bit bigger. Guthrie offers both traditional MRI scanners and more open scanners to our patients.

There are some restrictions about who can have an MRI. When you call to schedule to your study, we will ask you a series of questions to make sure that MRI is appropriate for you. You can have an MRI if you have an artificial joint or other metal in your body. MRI does not hurt, even if you have tattoos though some body art and makeup can blur the images. Even patients with pacemakers and defibrillators can, under certain circumstances, have MRI scans. If you have questions or concerns, please ask us.

When do you get an MRI instead of a CT scan?

MRI scanners and CT scanners scan each image the body differently and provide different information to your doctors. Your doctor, in collaboration with Guthrie Medical Imaging radiologists and technologists, will decide which type of scan is most appropriate for you. In some circumstances CT is best and for others, MRI. In each case, we tailor the study to the individual patient.

Guthrie Medical Imaging is now offering Cardiac MRI

Guthrie Medical Imaging is now offering Cardiac MRI services. Cardiac MRI creates both still and moving images of your heart and major blood vessels. Our board-certified physicians use cardiac MRI to evaluate the structure and function of your heart to determine the best treatment plan for heart related conditions.